GAVIN Gordon has been handed the ideal chance to prove manager Lennie Lawrence wrong and show Cardiff City they do not have to splash out on a new striker.

With Peter Thorne missing the Scandinavian tour with a foot injury, Gordon is the only central striker in the City party.

And Lawrence confirmed he will get plenty of chance to show what he can do.

"Gavin may start two games," said Lawrence in Malmo last night.

"Everybody will have the chance to make an impact. I have to be mindful of what happened at the end of last season and the massive contribution some players made, but I will always leave room for anybody to impress.

"Mark Bonner, for instance, has been excellent in training and he has already made an impression."

Gordon made only three league starts last season, missing out altogether on the play-off squad.

And with City linked with moves for Charlton Athletic's Swedish international Matt Svensson and Lee Bradbury of Portsmouth both linked with City, Gordon's chances looked limited.

But now the former Manchester United schoolboy has a chance to show Lawrence he can fill any striking vacancy.

The 20-strong City squad will be joined by new signing John Robinson on Tuesday.

Robinson could not travel with the main party because of a sore knee, but the injury is responding to treatment and he is booked on a flight from Stansted to Malmo next week.

He will miss today's opening game against Danish team Koge and won't arrive in time for the second match, against newly-promoted Frem of Denmark, on Monday.

But striker Peter Thorne is ruled out for the whole tour after being kicked on the foot.

"Peter won't be joining us, but John looks okay," said Lawrence. "The final decision will be made on Monday, but it looks pretty certain he will be okay."